A former Exeter firefighter has been convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage boy more than 25 years ago.

Geoffrey Hiscocks, 51, sexually molested the boy at a camp site in Clyst St Mary, Exeter Crown Court was told.

The victim, who was 14 at the time, said he just froze when Hiscocks assaulted him. But he said the actions of the defendant that night had ruined his childhood and cast a dark shadow over his adult life.

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He says he is haunted by the expression that the ‘abused become the abuser’ and the incident is ‘always in the back of my mind’.

He finds it difficult to form trusting relationships and accept love in return.

“What he did to me in one minute has caused me a lifetime of distress and pain,” the victim added.

Hiscocks worked as a fireman in Exeter for several years. He also has a background in the military.

When police questioned him about the allegations many years later Hiscocks admitted what he had done.

Judge David Evans said: “You do not pose a risk or danger to the public. Whatever may have been going on in your mind back then you have not offended in any other way since and you have already undergone some work with therapy.”